Israeli air strikes targeted multiple areas in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, Lebanese state media reported, even as diplomatic efforts advance toward US-Iran peace talks scheduled in Switzerland on Friday.

According to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), Israeli warplanes carried out raids on the Nabatieh Al Fawqa area and the eastern outskirts of Kfar Tebnit, while a separate drone strike hit the town of Ansariyeh in the Zahrani region.

The strikes come amid heightened regional tensions, with Iran warning of a “harsh response” to continued Israeli operations in Lebanon, even as Washington and Tehran prepare for high-level talks in Switzerland on Friday aimed at finalising a broader peace arrangement.

Despite reported reductions in violence following a US-Iran understanding announced earlier this week, NNA said Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have still killed at least five people since the deal, underscoring the fragility of the situation.

The Lebanese army has urged residents of southern areas to delay returning to their homes, citing ongoing risks of “Israeli violations and attacks,” even as some civilians have begun visiting their towns to assess damage.

Lebanese health authorities say the death toll since the start of the conflict has risen to 3,826, with rescue teams continuing to recover bodies from destroyed areas.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said any ceasefire arrangement would remain incomplete without Israeli withdrawal from the occupied territories, warning that further Israeli military action would violate emerging understandings linked to the broader US-Iran framework.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israeli forces will remain in Lebanon “for as long as necessary,” signalling continued military pressure despite diplomatic efforts.